As many of us prepare for the annual renewal of the border war today between Ohio State and Michigan my thoughts go back to the first War between our states. It was a bloodless battle between the territory of Michigan and the state of Ohio. The war was as a result of poor mapping and fuzzy boundary lines between the two states. Legislation passed between 1787 and 1805 had confused the situation. The area being fought over was a 468 square mile region of Northwest Ohio. The territory of Michigan was trying to become a state in the 1830's and claimed this area. Their plans were blocked by the state legislature in Ohio. The eventual solution to the mess was Michigan giving up the strip of Northwest Ohio and they in turn got the Upper Peninsula.
So as your cheering for your favorite team. Remember that it's roots came long ago in 1835. Enjoy the game and may your favorite team win.
1 comment:
just reading through some of your older posts, and came across this one. Although I now live in NY, I was born and raised a Buckeye, and will probably always be one at heart. Love the way you wove a historical twist into the Ohio State / Michigan contention!
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